Blame Credit Card Debt If You Are Unlucky In Love

Article Summary

Everyone in the dating world is looking for an edge when it comes to getting noticed by the right person. Many go to great lengths in presenting their best self, such as posting pictures on social media, a healthy lifestyle, nice clothing or a superior job.

It seems that in the dating world, the goal is to get noticed by the right person.

It may be a surprise to find that these qualities may not be the top priority that singles are looking for in a future partner. In his article, Blame Credit Card Debt If You Are Unlucky in Love, author Chris Taylor claims that there is one quality in a potential partner that may undermine all others when it comes to considering a serious relationship: credit card debt.

The author cites research by NerdWallet which points out that credit card debt is not a poor quality in and of itself, but may indicate other qualities that may not be so desirable such as lack of self-control, impulsiveness and poor financial management skills–all of which can cause challenges in a committed relationship where two people are both expected to exercise self- discipline and good judgement. Because finances touch almost every aspect of one’s life, finances are a reflection of the decisions one makes with it.

While some debt is necessary and even desirable as an investment, such as a home mortgage or student loans, it is interesting to note that, according to NerdWallet survey, almost three-fourths of Americans look down upon a potential relationship when it comes to debts of credit cards. This is most likely the case because it is extra debt that has no future return. Often items are used immediately or depreciate in value over time, leaving the full cost to be paid.

Also, Americans are learning that debt puts additional pressure on relationships. With so many difficulties that couples already face, the added stress and worry that debt adds –especially if there is little or nothing to show for that debt–may often be the final straw in a relationship.

It is interesting to note by the author that this perception of holding off on a relationship due to debt is held across several current generations, although one generation is far more concerned than others. The older generation of baby boomers or those over sixty-five are far more concerned about a future partner with credit card debt and are much more likely to pass on a potential relationship than would the younger generation of millennials. This hesitation may be due to the more conservative nature of the baby boomer generation who are reluctant to take on debt, but could also stem from the shortened timeline from which to recover from debt. Millennials, on the other hand, have more time on their side to recover from such debt, and may therefore be a little more forgiving of a potential partner.

So when it comes to presenting one’s best self, the author suggests paying off the credit card debt as the best option to making a successful relationship.